What is a Leave a Legacy?

LEAVE A LEGACY® is the public awareness campaign of the National Committee on Planned Giving. LEAVE A LEGACY® programs across the country are educating the public about the benefits of leaving bequests to charity in wills and estate plans. Our local program is organized in conjunction with the Planned Giving Roundtable of Southeast Michigan.

What is a planned gift?

Most people are used to giving annually. It is part of their budget.

A planned gift is one that is less frequent, larger and typically involves more than writing a check. Many planned gifts occur when the donor passes away, through a bequest. Planned gifts occur when donors respond to a special project, like a building, or when they wish to support a new service or help create an endowment fund.

Usually assets or property, such as stock or real estate, are used to establish the gift rather than writing a check. Perhaps an annuity will provide income to the donor, with the gift passing to the charity upon death.

Only about 3 percent of the population names a charity in their will. We believe this will change if people know:

How much donations are needed.

How simple it is to donate.

You don't have to be wealthy to make a difference.

LEAVE A LEGACY® partners, like those of us in Monroe County, choose to work together because it's better for all non-profits. Some donors support more than one organization. In a small, close community like ours, it is more effective when we collaborate. No one institution can educate people about planned gifts as well as when we work together.

There are many ways to make a bequest:

You can name a charity as beneficiary of your IRA.

You can take out an insurance policy with a charity as beneficiary.

You can donate real estate, stock or tangible personal property.

Your attorney or financial planner can explain the tax benefits of these gifts. If you would like assistance in finding an attorney or financial planner, we can suggest someone in confidence and under no obligation.

Most importantly, you don't need to be wealthy to make these decisions. Anyone can choose to help make our community a better place. We appreciate the support of all our donors - no matter what the gift amount.

LEAVE A LEGACY® partners can address your civic group or organization. We can talk about the benefits of including philanthropy in your estate plan. We can tell you about projects and program that you might choose to support.

Monroe County Activities

We invite expert speakers to address specific issues in free seminars that are open to the public. Our programs address tax law changes and other timely topics. Look for announcements as these seminars occur. If you have a suggestion for a speaker or a topic, please let us know.

We also invite other non-profit groups to join us. Currently, we meet about 8 to 10 times a year to share information, plan our activities and improve our own skills so we can better meet your needs. Just contact any LEAVE A LEGACY® partner listed on this website for information.